Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the President Director of PT MRT Jakarta and several developers regarding a feasibility study for the East-West MRT Line Phase 2 (Kembangan-Balaraja) at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday (2/5).

Pramono stated that the approximately 30-kilometer project is a strategic effort to address transportation challenges within the Greater Jakarta agglomeration area.

"We are signing the agreement for the MRT East-West Phase 2, specifically the Kembangan-Balaraja route, involving PT MRT and developers situated along the planned corridor," he said.

He noted that collaborating with private developers is essential to alleviate the financial burden and fast-track regional development. Further, this partnership will streamline PT MRT’s efforts in establishing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones.

"Drawing on our experience with the North-South MRT—where we collaborated with international institutions and the Ministry of Finance—we will adopt a similar approach for the Kembangan-Balaraja Phase 2. We're currently laying the groundwork and finalizing the necessary studies," he explained.

He aims for the study to be completed on schedule so that construction can break ground within the next year or two. He is confident that the Kembangan-Balaraja line will extend public transport reach to satellite cities and significantly ease traffic congestion.

Seamless connectivity between Jakarta and its satellite cities is essential, given the massive population density of the region.

Echoing this sentiment, Banten Governor Andra Soni emphasized that mass transit integration is vital for Banten residents, the majority of whom commute to Jakarta daily. He hailed today’s MoU as a significant step forward.

"This agreement paves the way for our shared vision of an integrated urban transit system designed by Jakarta, which will undoubtedly benefit the people of Banten," he stated.

He noted that extending mass transit to satellite cities will help curb traffic congestion while laying the foundation for regional competitiveness and public welfare.

Meanwhile, PT MRT Jakarta CEO Tuhiyat provided an update on the North-South Phase: the route from Bundaran HI to Monas is slated for operation next year, while the extension to Kota Tua is targeted for completion by 2029.

He described the MoU as a collective commitment to modernizing mass transportation.

"The East-West line is a highly strategic corridor, linking residential areas, industrial hubs, and emerging growth centers across Jakarta and Banten," he added.

The partnership also aims to promote Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), focusing not only on mobility but also on enhancing the overall quality of life.